ORIGIN

One of 19: 1959 Ascort TSV 1300 Project

This 1959 Ascort TSV 1300 is a rare example of the VW-based, Australian built car, being one of 19 produced and 13 surviving according to a site dedicated to the model. Restoration has stalled in its early stages, but it sounds like the project has most rare parts necessary for completion, including the engine and interior, as well as some documentation. Find it here on The Samba in Northcote, Melbourne, Australia for $21k AUD (~$15,360 USD today). Special thanks to BaT reader Keith M. for this submission.

Only two photos are included which is disappointing for something this rare, but the body appears to have held up well with only two questionable spots of missing fiberglass–one above the front bumper, the other on the rear flank below the C-pillar. Gauges and glass are present along with some various trim pieces and reproduction badges. The interior is also present and includes two steering wheels, a custom one seen fitted and the original banjo item. What appears to be pictured adjacent to the car is its Okrasa-modified VW 1300 engine, which is included though in need of a rebuild.

Styling is interesting and shares hardly any design cues with the Karmann Ghia upon which it is based. The shouldered rear flanks, C-pillars and roof line remind us somewhat of period Alfas, while the front end was likely inspired by the 356. It definitely looks as though the car’s styling had some influence on the Fiat 850 Spider.

As is common with such limited production machines, interiors and other details appear to have varied from car-to-car. Regardless, we like what is seen below and would use these photos as a guide during further restoration.

Based on a VW 1200cc air-cooled four, the Okrasa 1300 kit bumped up the car’s horsepower over 30% to 54 total with dual port heads, a stroker crankshaft and 32mm carburetors. Capable of top speeds above 90 MPH, it sounds like the car impressed critics more than the Karmann coupe it was based on–probably why VW cut donor supply after so few were made.

We recommend checking out the fan site, as it includes a registry of survivors, history and technical specs, as well as a list of parts shared/sourced from other production cars. This one has a long road ahead, but is fortunately almost certain to be properly restored.